South Asian Londoners more clued up on climate change than before

London, Feb 15 (UNI) South Asians living in the British capital have started to take a fresh look at the challenges posed by climate change and believe that they could personally make a difference by making small changes in their daily routines.

In a study carried out by London Sustainability Exchange (LSx), over 84 per cent of the respondents said wasteful habits such as leaving devices on standby, not using energy saving light bulbs and driving when not necessary is contributing to global warming.

The findings of the study showed a shift in the earlier attitude of South Asian Londoners towards climate change.

They have a better understanding of climate change this time than last year and are keen to learn more about what they can do to help tackle it, said the study published in LSx's February bulletin.

LSx's team of ten ambassadors with a South Asian background and a 'climate change magician' Alladin visited various South Asian community events, cultural festivals and melas across London and explained why climate change should matter to them.

The team used a variety of ways to spread the word, including linking the messages to religion and cultural beliefs as well as plays, photo exhibitions and competitions.

The findings revealed that 90 per cent of the people agreed to have a better grasp of what is happening and understand more about climate change.

According to the UK 2001 Census there are currently 866,693 members of the south Asian community living in London of whom 436,993 were Indian, 142,749 Pakistani, 153,893 Bangladeshi and 133,058 were from other South Asian countries.

UNI XC SLD RK1815